Research Ethics Board

Osler's Research Ethics Board (REB) exists to ensure all research meets current scientific, regulatory, and ethical standards. All research involving patients, physicians, staff, students (i.e., research within the institution or using institutional resources), volunteers or visitors, must obtain ethical approval from the REB before research can begin. The REB has similar responsibility for investigators from other institutions who may wish to carry out research on Osler premises or with Osler patients. The REB reviews and approves research projects that meet acceptable ethical, regulatory and scientific standards and for which adequate facilities and resources are available. The REB also provides advice on the ethical, scientific and technical aspects of planning research projects. Heads of Departments / Divisions / Programs are responsible for ensuring that all such research is submitted for ethics review.

The REB operates in compliance with the Tri Council Policy Statement 2 (TCPS2): Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (2010), the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Guidelines, Part C Division 5 of the Food and Drug Regulations of Health Canada and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA-Ontario 1998, updated through November 2005).

General Guidelines

In the event that an investigator cannot determine whether an intended investigation constitutes research (for instance, quality assurance studies do not constitute research), the investigator should approach the Research Ethics Board office for such a determination by phoning 905-494-2120 ext. 50448. Providing such consultation on ethics matters is part of the responsibility of the Board.

Proposals are reviewed by the full board at a scheduled meeting, or in a delegated manner, depending on level of risk associated with the study.